Good Morning Grand Rapids!

Wowza, there’s a lot going on this week! First and foremost, Grand Rapids is doing its best to keep our stomachs and hearts full, as numerous organizations are stepping forward to make sure families that have missed out on their SNAP benefits will still get fed while many of Grand Rapids’ finest food establishments turn out their best for Restaurant Week! Then there’s music of all kinds, movies, holiday shopping, and Veteran’s Day activities to remind us how good we’ve got it!

Let’s get into it! 🥙 

📰 This Week’s Grand Stories

🛐 Faith and community leaders commit to SNAP support: Faith and community leaders in Grand Rapids are stepping up to make sure Grand Rapids get enough to eat, committing to a daily fast at Calder Plaza until stable SNAP funding resumes. About 70 leaders from multiple faiths are participating in this show of solidarity around ensuring local families have access to meals Faith leaders start fast at Calder Plaza.

🥫 Fulton Street Market opens dry-goods pantry: Fulton Street Market is helping neighbors bridge the gap while benefits are paused by opening a dry-goods pantry every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This simple initiative is making a big difference for families in need.

🎆 Downtown GR to host patriotic drone show + fundraiser: Downtown Grand Rapids will light up the skies this weekend with the “Celebration of Service” drone show, combining entertainment with a veteran fundraiser. It’s a dazzling way to celebrate local heroes while enjoying the community.

🎨 Cedar Springs Friends of the Library craft show returns: Cedar Springs is hosting the return of the Friends of the Library craft show this Saturday. Visitors can shop handmade gifts from local makers and support the library while enjoying a small-town Saturday outing.

💀 GRAM’s community ofrenda installation open: The Grand Rapids Art Museum’s community ofrenda is live through Sunday. Reyna García’s Día de los Muertos installation invites participants to add photos or notes to the altar — a reflective, beautiful, and participatory experience.

🍲 Holland-area food trucks offer free meals: Local churches, businesses, and vendors are teaming up this Saturday at Ridge Point Community Church to hand out free hot meals, providing direct relief while SNAP benefits remain paused Free-meal event at Ridge Point Community Church.

🍽️ Restaurant Week kicks off Friday: Around 70 participating restaurants will offer prix fixe menus and special deals this Friday, giving everyone a chance to try a spot they’ve been eyeing all year.

💛 Kids’ Food Basket expands service during SNAP pause: The nonprofit is scaling its operations across West Michigan to meet higher demand during the SNAP pause, providing tangible relief for families in need.

🌿 Blandford Nature Center welcomes new executive director: Leadership news from Blandford Nature Center: a new executive director is taking the reins just ahead of Saturday’s big Makers Market, bringing fresh energy to this beloved outdoor classroom.

🐶 New children’s book about a service dog has GR ties: A new children’s book launch highlights local organizations, accessibility, and education through community collaboration.

🎉 Grand Rapids Center for Community Transformation celebrates 10 years: The center marks a milestone in workforce and youth programming on the SW Side, a testament to a decade of community impact FOX17 Grand Rapids news index.

🐢 JBZ partners with Calvin University to protect spotted turtles: Conservation efforts at John Ball Zoo provide meaningful student experiences while protecting local wildlife.

📆 This Week’s Grand Events

Thursday, November 6

Bridge Street Makers Market & Bar Hop – 608 Bridge St NW – Community. Art. A Good time. Shop 25 local vendors with a drink in hand. 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM/Free

Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors – GRCC Theater – Hilarious and spooky take on the classic Dracula tale. 7:30/Price Varies

$1 Oyster Night at Long Road Distillers – 537 Leonard St NW – Arrive early for oysters and craft cocktails; enjoy laughter and conversation with friends. 4:00 PM/Free

Grand Vin's 3rd Annual Holiday Wine Expo – Bistro Bella Vita – Sample nearly 75 unique wines with appetizers, light bites, and desserts. 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM/$75

Riley Green – Van Andel Arena – Big country lineup with Jamey Johnson; easy sing-along night that still gets you home by 10. 6:45 PM/Price Varies

Top Shelf Comedy – The Nightwatch Lounge – Stand-up comedy with rotating performers and expertly crafted cocktails. 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM/$15 for One, $25 for Two Link

Mannequins, Ultraviolets, Secret Satan – Speciation Cellars – Free rock show with alt rock, noise, and post-hardcore vibes. 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM/Free

Music Bingo & Trivia Night – Railside Golf Club – Test your knowledge with music-themed bingo and trivia while enjoying drinks and snacks. 6 - 8 PM/Free – Link

Opening Reception of Looking Back | Moving Forward – 106 Gallery – Group exhibition with food, music, and community stories, part of First Friday art walk. 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM/Free

Chiodos – GLC Live at 20 Monroe – Nostalgia riffs in a theater-size room, classic post-hardcore performance in celebration of Chiodos’ 20th anniversary. 6:00 PM/Price Varies

Vended – The Stache (Intersection) – Heavy midweek catharsis; new-school metal with deep roots. 7:00 PM/Check venue for tickets

the olllam + Max Lockwood – The Pyramid Scheme – Irish pipes meet Michigan folk energy for a surprisingly great night. 7:00 PM/Check venue for tickets 

Veterans Day Presentation – Ada History Center – One-hour program sharing real stories; bring a teen for a meaningful experience. 7:00 PM/Free 

King Trivia – Vander Mill – Cider + friendly smack talk + prizes; assemble your brain trust for this weekly trivia night. 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM/Free

Friday, November 7

Holiday Market at Roeda Studio – Roeda Studio – Local artists and vendors with unique gifts; free parking and attendance. 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM/Free

Gathered: A Celebration of Foraging – Speciation Cellars – Book reading by Gabrielle Cerberville, live painting demo, and pizza included. 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM/$55

Black Dress Black Suit Gala – Frederick Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Gardens – Dress to impress for an elegant evening of dining, dancing, and fundraising. 6pm to 10:30pm/Price Varies

UX in Movies – 859 Fulton St W – Casual night of filmmaker insights and critiques of UX/UI in movies, with audience discussion. 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM/Free

Tee Grizzley – Elevation – Forever My Moment Tour, all ages, with support TBA. 7:00 PM/Price Varies

Jon McLaughlin + Eric Hutchinson – Wealthy Theatre – Piano-pop double bill in a cozy room; date-night layup. 8:00 PM / $25.40–$48.15

Durry – The Pyramid Scheme – Minnesota brother/sister duo Durry will be previewing tracks from their upcoming new album, This Movie Sucks, this week at The Pyramid Scheme. 7:00 PM/Prices Vary

Armchair Boogie – Tip Top Deluxe – Banjo-driven bluegrass that turns into a dance party. 8:00 PM / $15–$25

Dogs In A Pile – The Intersection – Jammy, upbeat tunes in a great-sounding room. 7:00 PM/$20–$30

Crankdat – The Intersection – High-energy EDM; bring friends who love bass drops. 9:00 PM / $35–$55

Here Come The Mummies – The Intersection – The Mummfest Tour with support from Lachy Doley & Platinum Moon; all ages welcome. Doors 6:30 PM/Show 7:30 PM/Price varies

Brewery 4 Two 4 King Trivia – Holland – Short drive, full laughs; gift cards on the line. 7:00–9:00 PM/Free

Holiday Tree Lighting Event – Tanger Outlet Mall – Kick off the holiday season with festive lights, music, and family-friendly fun. 5:30 - 7:30 PM/Free

Park Theatre Open Mic Junior – Holland – Kid/teen stage time that’s actually fun to watch. 5:30–7:30 PM/Free

Live music – Sandy Point Beach House, West Olive – Lakeshore sunset + low-key tunes; de-stress before the weekend goes bananas. 5:00–8:00 PM/Free

GR Chamber: First Friday Update – Grand Rapids Chamber – Quick pulse-check for business folks; easy to squeeze in. 10:00–10:30 AM/Free

Saturday, November 8

The Band CAMINO: The NeverAlways Tour – GLC Live at 20 Monroe – Special guest almost monday, polished pop-rock. Doors: 7:00 PM, Show: 8:00 PM/$26–$176

The District Coffee Grand Opening – The District Coffee – Celebrate the grand opening with drinks, pastries, and community vibes. 9 AM/Free

Glow in the Park – Pinewood Park – Evening of light displays, music, and family-friendly fun; enjoy a luminous walk through the park. 6 - 8 PM/Free

Holiday Shopping – Terra Square – Shop local vendors for unique gifts in a festive atmosphere. 9 AM - 2 PM/Free

Restorative Reiki-Infused Sound Bath – Holistic Health Collective – Reiki and sound bath session to promote balance, relaxation, and healing in body, mind, and spirit. 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM/$55

Kosciuszko Hall Holiday Market – 935 Park Street SW – Vendor day with warm meal and open license for daytime drinks; shop local, socialize, and enjoy food. 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM/$30

Top Shelf Comedy – The Nightwatch Lounge – Monthly comedy series with fresh stand-up talent and cocktails; 90 minutes of laughs in an intimate lounge setting. 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM/ $15 for One, $25 for Two

Hunter Glenn Wine Pairing Dinner – Lumber Baron Bar – Napa Valley estate wines paired with chef-curated dishes for an elegant tasting experience – 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM/$130 Link

Symphony of Giving with MC John Varineau – Aquinas College – Silent auction with 60+ items, hors d’oeuvres, beer, wine, and soda included; fundraiser for local programs – 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM / $55 Link

Katt Williams – Van Andel Arena – Stadium-size comedy show; make it a downtown night full of laughs. 8:00 PM/Price Varies

Better Lovers + Soul Blind – The Pyramid Scheme – Loud, cathartic small-room rock; perfect for high-energy Saturday night. 7:00 PM/Price varies.

Nature Makers Market – Blandford – 25+ artists, coffee truck, and trails; family-friendly outdoor market. 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM/Free

Cultural Heritage Festival – GRPM – Dance, music, and food celebrating West Michigan’s cultural traditions. 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM/Free

Fulton Street Market – 1145 Fulton St E – Covered outdoor market with gifts, local goods, and family-friendly shopping. 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM/Free.

Rockford High School Holiday Craft Show – 350 North Main St. Rockford, MI 49341 – 100+ makers for holiday shopping north of Grand Rapids. 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM/ Free.

Masquerade for Memories Gala – Embassy Suites – Dress up, dance, and support Alzheimer’s programs; fundraiser with photo ops. 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM/Price varies.

The Rupple Brothers & Vespa – The Stray – Listening-room show with coffeehouse charm; super chill evening. 7:00 PM/Price varies.

“Cocktails & Costumes” Murder Mystery – Midtown – Interactive whodunit with cocktails and over-the-top personas. 7:00 PM/Price varies.

Sunday, November 9

You Me And R&B 2.0 – JW Marriott Grand Rapids – Get ready to enjoy the night at JW Marriott Grand Rapids with soulful R&B tunes and unforgettable vibes. 9:00 PM/$17.85. – Link

Jon McLaughlin & Eric Hutchinson – Wealthy Theatre – SectionLive presents Jon McLaughlin & Eric Hutchinson live for all ages at Wealthy Theatre. Doors 7:00 PM/Show 8:00 PM/$25.40-$48.15.

Fresh Perspectives - Opening Night – Cocoon Art Space – Celebrate local creativity with a final exhibition of the year featuring six talented artists. 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM/Free. 

O Brother, Where Art Thou? – Wealthy Theatre – Celebrate the 25th anniversary of this Coen brothers classic on the big screen. Doors 6:30 PM / Movie 7:30 PM/General Admission $8.64 / Member Discount $6.48 

Matt Rife – Van Andel Arena – Viral-comic energy brings laughs to Sunday night in the big room. 7:00 PM/Check venue for tickets.

Blue October – GLC Live – Alternative rock sing-alongs with therapeutic vibes in downtown Grand Rapids. 7:00 PM/Check venue for tickets.

The Book of Mormon – DeVos Performance Hall – Final day for this family-friendly Broadway hit. Matinee-friendly show. Multiple Times/Price Varies.

🍽️Almost A Century

Did you know that the Cottage Bar and Restaurant has been serving Grand Rapids continuously since 1927?

📅 Add to Your Calendar

The Book of Mormon - November 4 – 9 @ DeVos Performance Hall

Cultural Heritage Festival - November 8 @ Grand Rapids Public Museum.

Christkindl Markt 2025 — November 19 – December 21, 2025 @ Downtown Market, Grand Rapids

Enlighten at Frederik Meijer Gardens - November 26, 2025 – January 4, 2026 @ Frederik Meijer Gardens

Jonas Brothers - December 12, 2025 @ Van Andel Arena

🎼 GR Symphony Presents Holiday Pops - December 5–7, 2025 @ DeVos Performance Hall)

🏃 Upcoming Runs & Walks!

Earlier this year, one of our readers wrote in asking about running and walking events happening around Grand Rapids. We aim to please! Here are a few running and walking events happening in the next few weeks and months, so you can start warming up now.

Grand Rapids Turkey Trot: Here’s a chance to do some good while you walk or run, with all proceeds from the Grand Rapids Turkey Trot on November 27 going to support Grand Rapids Public School athletics.

🏷️ GRrrrrrrreat Discounts for Subscribers!

Lush Health
Lush health is offering 50% off vitamin B injections for all GRNEWS subscribers. Just mention GRNEWS when you make your appointment!
Book your appointment & find out more here.

Harmonic Egg - BOGO!
The Harmonic Egg in GR is now open & is offering a special BOGO discount when you and a friend visit for the first time! Experience the healing power of sacred geometry, light, color and sound.
Just text “GRNEWS” to 616-970-9186 to claim and make your appt!

Hydrowash Solutions - 50% OFF
Your home looking a little dirty or green this spring? Get 50% off your home's first pressure wash (up to 1500 sq ft). Only $300 for GR Newsletter subscribers.
Text "Wash" to 616-730-3949 get on the calendar. (First 10 homes only)

Let The Good Times Roll - $150 OFF
Need a bartender for your special day? Whether it's a wedding, backyard bbq, or any other special occassion - I am your certified and insured bartender and food handler. $150 off any event for GR News subscribers!
Text "Bartender" to 847-924-2447 to claim your discount!

JDPotter Lawn Care - First Grass Mowing is FREE!
I’m a bit biased, as Jackson has been cutting my lawn for several years. He’s a great young man with a thriving business. He’ll cut up to two acres for free, for first-time customers. And, you’ll love it so much, he’ll be your lawn guy for life.
Text “Free Mow” to 616-818-8805 to get scheduled. (First 15 lawns only)

Miss Clean It All - 40% OFF
Get your first cleaning job on the books at 40% off! Two hours of deep cleaning for only $40! Servicing residential & commercial customers.
Text "First Cleaning" to 616-433-5497 to get scheduled.

Cookie Cutters - 50% OFF a “Kids Cut” for First Time Customers
Voted #1 for 4 years in a row for the best place for kids' haircuts in Grand Rapids by GRkids.com families! All three of our GR locations feature amazing stylists, an indoor play set, fun fantasy cars, and personal TVs, in our kid-centric salons! Click here to book your appointment and mention the GR Newsletter when you visit.

👨‍💼 Highlighting New Businesses

Acapulco Mexicana is a new Mexican restaurant by Knapps corner and the food is phenomenal! Highly recommend.

Gladys Grille is a new gourmet soul food restaurant inspired by the legacy of owner Jeannica Garmon's grandmother, Gladys Oliver. Now she’s sharing her family’s warmth, love, and mouth-watering Southern-inspired cuisine with the Grand Rapids area!

Pho House GR has been bringing whole new dimension in authentic pho to West Michigan since May. Find out what all the hubbub is about for yourself!

Gimmes Par and Grill is new and open to some well-deserved fan fare. With 4.8 Stars and over 100 Reviews on Google… the food is great, the golf simulators are above par and the drinks are always swingin.

Playa Bowls just opened on East Beltline offering acai bowls, juices and smoothies.

 🎶 Plan Ahead for Big Concerts & Shows!

Quite a few readers have said they’d like a little more advance notice on upcoming concerts and shows - so here ya go! Whilst this isn’t everything - it’s a lot of the big names coming to town!

Matt Rife is coming to Van Andel on Nov 9th

Bert Kreischer is coming to Van Andel on Nov 20th